Since sounds are a part of daily life, among the primary things you should know is how to manage when engaging with an autistic child who seems to have sensory issues, particularly in a classroom environment. For an autistic person, sound may be both harmful and beneficial. Since each autistic person is unique, you should carefully monitor him or her to determine what types of responses to anticipate out of the auditory sensory stimulation.
The most challenging form of sensory stimulus in an autistic child’s life can be loud or frightening noises. Several of our everyday activities often include sounds, which impede development. If autistic children are afraid, they cannot and, therefore, will not understand. Parents of autistic children, for example, often report difficulty toilet training their children. This could have been attributed to the frightening sound of the toilet flushing, which could be too much for an autistic child. Rather, consider using a potty seat that is separate from the toilet before they become used to the concept. Foods that are noisy or crunchy are yet another example. If your autistic child is a picky eater, try to identify which foods he or she steadfastly refuses to consume. When food crunches in an autistic child’s mouth, it can make a lot of noise, which can damage his or her hearing. If this is really the scenario with your kids, substitute soft foods for crunchy carrots, apples, or potato chips. Other noisy noises, such as a vacuum cleaner, can be damaging to your child’s ears. Try to do these things while he or she is not around or suggest giving your child earbuds to use if the world becomes too noisy.
Fixation may also be caused by sounds. Some youngsters, for example, seem to be obsessed with the sights and sounds of lawnmowers. Use this obsession to your advantage. Read stories regarding lawnmowers, for instance, or use humming in combination with a tune. Since sound is a means of nonverbal communication, music is an excellent way for autistic people to learn. This method can be used in learning environments by teachers and parents. The trick is to find a way to make sound work for both you and your kids. Autism is a difficult condition to manage, but by being attentive to your child’s individual needs, you can assist him or her in learning to cope with the sounds of daily life.